Summary
This guide covers the EDLES (Examination Data Loading and Extraction System) export workflow in skillSYMS. EDLES files are the DHET-compliant exam data files used for candidate registrations and mark submissions across NCV, Engineering, and Business streams. You will learn to use the three-step export wizard, configure exam cycle and centre details, generate files, and track them in the export history.
Who This Guide Is For
- SDPs and colleges submitting exam data to DHET
- Examination officers preparing candidate entries and marks
- Administrators managing EDLES export history and downloads
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure you have:
- Your 4-digit DHET centre code (and sub-centre code, if applicable)
- The correct exam cycle (for example, November 2026 = 202611)
- Learner registrations and captured marks for the cycle
- The programme stream(s) you are exporting (NCV, Engineering, or Business)
Step 1: Open the EDLES Export Wizard
Navigate to EDLES → Export EDLES Files.
The wizard runs in three steps: Export Type → Configuration → Review & Generate, shown by the progress indicator at the top.
Step 2: Select an Export Type
On step 1, choose the export type:
| Export type | Stream / Format |
|---|---|
| Candidate Entry | Engineering (T-File) — learner registrations for the cycle |
| Year Marks — NCV | NCV (Q-File) — ICASS year marks |
| Year Marks — Engineering | Engineering (T-File) — ICASS year marks |
| Year Marks — Business | Business (H-File) — ICASS year marks |
| Exam Marks | Multi-stream — written examination marks |
| Result Capture | Multi-stream — prepare results for DHET submission |
Selecting a card enables Continue to Configuration.
Tip: The stream and file format are set automatically from your export type — you do not need to choose them manually.
Step 3: Configure the Export
On step 2, complete the configuration form:
- Exam Cycle (required) — select the cycle, for example November 2026
- Programme Stream — auto-populated from your export type
- Centre Code (required) — your 4-digit DHET centre code
- Sub-centre Code (optional) — 2-digit code if your centre uses sub-centres
- Period Type / Period Number — shown for year-marks exports (Trimester, Semester, or Annual)
Expand Advanced Filters to narrow the export:
- Programme Codes — comma-separated (for example
N1ELE, N2ELE); blank includes all - Learner IDs — comma-separated; blank includes all active learners
Click Review & Generate to continue.
Step 4: Review and Generate
On step 3, check the Export Summary (type, exam cycle, stream, centre code). When everything is correct, click Generate Export File.
The wizard creates the export batch and shows a processing status, then a success message with a Download File link and a shortcut to View History.
Tip: If generation fails, the wizard shows the error and lets you return to fix the configuration without losing your selections.
Step 5: Download and Track in Export History
Navigate to EDLES → Export History.
The history table lists every generated export with its type, filename, exam cycle, centre, learner count, status, and who created it. Use the filters to narrow by Export Type, Exam Cycle, or Status.
Status values progress through: Pending → Generating → Generated → Validated → Downloaded (or Error).
For each row you can:
- Download — available once the status is Generated, Validated, or Downloaded
- Details — view the full export record
- Delete — available before the file is downloaded or submitted
Step 6: Submit to DHET
- Download the generated file from the wizard or history table
- Upload it to the DHET EDLES system in the correct exam cycle
- Record the submission so the export can be marked as submitted
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong exam cycle — submitting marks against the wrong cycle is a common rejection cause
- Incorrect centre code — the 4-digit code must match your DHET registration exactly
- Mismatched stream — use the export type that matches the learners’ stream (NCV/Engineering/Business)
- Missing period for year marks — year-marks exports require period type and number
- Deleting a submitted export — keep submitted files for the audit trail
Verification Checklist
Before submitting to DHET, verify:
- The export type matches the data you intend to submit
- Exam cycle and centre code are correct
- Period type/number are set for year-marks exports
- The export status is Generated (or Validated) in history
- The downloaded file was accepted by the DHET EDLES system
Next Steps
- QCTO MIS Exports — Generate QCTO01–QCTO06 files
- NLRD & SETMIS Exports — SAQA and SETA submissions
- Reporting & Exporting — Overview of all export workflows
- Statement of Results — Learner achievement records